Mixed media artist and clothing designer Marie Cordella is just one of the 40 artists whose work can be viewed at ArtSpace, a visual art center that features 23 open studios, three exhibition galleries, lectures, classes and many other stimulating art events.

The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Blount Street was once home to rich industrialists and prominent civic leaders, as evidenced by these beautiful, historic homes. Nearby Blount Street Commons, currently under construction, will soon add even more residences, retail shops and parks.

About

Prestigious Panel Announced for the 2016 State of Downtown Raleigh Event

RALEIGH, NC (March 17, 2016) – Join the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) on Tuesday, April 26 at the Raleigh Convention Center for the 2016 State of Downtown Raleigh Event, the premiere economic development event for downtown.

Each attendee will receive a free copy of the State of Downtown Raleigh report, which shows the market trends impacting the economy of downtown, including demographics, data and future projections. The report is a useful guide for investors and the real estate community to learn about the growth and success of downtown.

A distinguished panel of experts and thought leaders from various asset classes in downtown will discuss the economy and dynamics of Raleigh’s rapidly growing Central Business District and analyze the data from their unique perspectives.

Panel of Speakers:

James Sauls - City of Raleigh, Economic Development Manager

James and his team are responsible for business recruitment, business retention, marketing, public relations and real estate disposition and development within the City. In addition, he manages all aspects of economic development activities with internal and external entities. He has worked in both the public and private sector doing economic development for the past nine years in Raleigh and Wake County.

Brent Francese - Runologie, Co-Owner and General Manager

Brent has been involved in running retail for over six years as an owner, designer, store manager and inventory operations specialist. He has designed several retail spaces for Fleet Feet Raleigh and been involved on many residential projects for HGTV's "Love It or List It.”

Jason brings an extensive background as an investor, developer, and entrepreneur to his current role as Co-Founder of HQ Raleigh, an award-winning entrepreneurial co-working space located in downtown Raleigh. Seeking to develop the pipeline of young entrepreneurs is one of Jason's passions. He is the Founder of ThinkHouse, an intentional living community and accelerator for post-graduate entrepreneurs. Recently, he expanded this concept into an undergraduate program in conjunction with UNCG, ThinkHouseU.

Anne Stoddard- Grubb Ventures, Director of Development

Anne has 32 years of experience in commercial real estate—11 years in real estate equity investments and 21 years in commercial development—positioning her to bring relevant experience and entrepreneurial creativity to a wide variety of commercial real estate projects. Since joining Grubb Ventures in 2003 as the Director of Development, Anne has been responsible for underwriting and execution of redevelopment projects, including 3700 Glenwood Avenue, 401 Oberlin and Sojourn Lake Boone Apartments, now under construction.

John LaPenta – Deputy Secretary of the Department of Administration

John was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Department of Administration to oversee the State Construction Office, State Property Office, and Facility Management divisions of the department. In addition, John will oversee Governor McCrory’s Project Phoenix. Prior to his current position John was the Deputy Director for Special Projects at the Office of State Budget and Management.

Pre-registration is open online now through April 19. The cost is $20 for DRA members and $30 for non-members.